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Michael Coffey Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

American, b. 1928

While he may not be as well known as the designers who influenced him, master woodworker Michael Coffey creates tables, case pieces and other hand-carved furnishings that are wholly sculptural and characterized by striking, unexpected forms — they’re provocative statement pieces in any interior.

Born in 1928 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — where like-minded designers Paul Evans, George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell shared a studio — Coffey loved working with his hands as a child. However, a sense of youthful idealism led him to pursue a master’s degree in social group work before he endeavored to design on a full-time basis. It wasn't until 1966, at the age of 38, that he started teaching himself woodworking. Coffey was inspired by innovative artisans in the furniture-making field such as Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Wendell Castle, all of whom are credited as pioneers in the world of art furniture.

In 1972, Coffey earned his first major design commission in the form of a collection for Directional Furniture, a manufacturer that forged an enduring partnership with Paul Evans and a favorite brand of mid-century modern enthusiasts. He continued to collaborate with Directional, working in mahogany and rare Mozambique woods, and integrating abstract carving motifs in his cabinet fronts and table pedestals. Soon afterward, Coffey established a woodworking school and apprenticeships at his Vermont farm. In 1986, he moved to Massachusetts, and, in 1991, he founded a second woodworking school, this one much larger.

Coffey sold his successful Massachusetts school to his staff in 1997 in order to focus on his furniture, as his reputation and client base had grown considerably. His profile reached greater heights in 2003, when a rocking chair called Aphrodite that Coffey had designed more than two decades earlier sold at auction for nearly $50,000. The sale sparked the interest of buyers and collectors worldwide and resulted in a slew of new commissions. Today Coffey continues to make sculptural furniture with a team of woodworkers in his Massachusetts studio.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Michael Coffey tables, seating, bookcases and more.

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Creator: Michael Coffey
Michael Coffey, Ebbtide I, Wall-Mounted Cabinet, United States, 2020
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural cabinet carved in solid Mozambique. Coffey debuted this style of carving at Directional Furniture in New York, in 1972. In the 90’s he revived it, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Michael Coffey Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookscase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut etagere with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Michael Coffey Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookcase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut étagère with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Category

1970s American Vintage Michael Coffey Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Michael Coffey, "Titan" Monumental Bar Cabinet, United States, 1978
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural cabinet is carved from solid, 4-inch thick Mahogany, and weighs 900 lbs. It is divided in two halves. One half is a door, which swings out on hidden hinges and concealed casters. The other half contains revolving shelves...
Category

Late 20th Century American Michael Coffey Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

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Michael Coffey case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Michael Coffey case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Michael Coffey case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 2 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Sam Hecht + Kim Colin, Christopher Gentner, and Macey Co.. Prices for Michael Coffey case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $25,000 and can go as high as $240,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $73,000.

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